How To Win An Election

How should Keir Starmer cope with criticism from the world's richest man (and Trump adviser) Elon Musk - ignore him, or try to build bridges through mutual friends?And how worried should the government be as farmers protest over changes to inheritance tax? The political masterminds, and Hugo, look at the parallels with protests during the Blair years.Send messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly and Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

When you've lost an election, how do you work out what went wrong - and do you always have to blame the leader? The political masterminds (and Hugo Rifkind) look at what went wrong for Kamala Harris, and bicker (a little bit) over the Brexit referendum.And, what does Peter have to say about speculation he could be the next UK ambassador to the US?Send messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly and Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

The political masterminds are joined by Chatham House's Dr Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss the state of American democracy, the gender gap between US voters, and the chances of violence in the wake of the presidential election.Does Kemi Badenoch know which voters she'll be pursuing at the next election? And will increasing tuition fees damage Keir Starmer?You can send messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly or Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

The budget is at last upon us, and political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Hugo Rifkind to discuss how to manage such a crucial political and economic event. They also discuss the perils of political rallies, where Labour's obsession with 'working people' comes from, and why liberals love Diet Coke. If you've got a message, voice note or a cover version of the theme tune you can contact the political masterminds (and Hugo) at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

We're answering your questions on the podcast this week, including - was it easier to manage the news agenda in the Blair and Cameron years? Will some Conservative MPs think about defecting under a new leader? And... whack-a-mole or guacamole, what's it all got to do with mushy peas?If you've got a message, voice note or a cover version of the theme tune you can contact the political masterminds (and Hugo) at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein are back - now with added Hugo Rifkind.There's a lot to catch up on since they last met - including what's really going on with Sue Gray's departure from Number 10, Morgan McSweeney's leadership style, the saga of Starmer's suits, and is the Tory leadership contest a genuine clash of ideas?If you've got a message, voice note or a cover version of the theme tune you can contact the political masterminds (and Hugo) at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

As the Conservatives get ready for a lengthy leadership campaign, how long could take to get back into a position where they can win - could it happen as soon as the next election, and how do they best oppose the government in the meantime?The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein look at the lessons from history, and consider how Keir Starmer will handle his first Prime Minister's Questions since taking power.We also say goodbye to Matt on his last episode, before the podcast takes a break over the summer.Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

Donald Trump has picked JD Vance as his running mate and looks on course to return to the White House. How is the UK Government preparing for Trump 2.0, and does it matter that the foreign secretary once called him a ‘neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath’?The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss the presidential election, and whether the Conservative Party needs another Dominic Cummings.Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.